Amish Dalal a Jaslok Consultant on Benefits of physical activity to reduce the risk of cancer

1. Benefits of Physical Activity To Reduce The Risk Of Cancer The importance of being physically active cannot be emphasised enough. A regular exercise routine helps beat an otherwise sedentary lifestyle, and an active lifestyle contributes to reducing the risk of disease. Cancer is no different here. Physical exercise not just helps cancer patients recuperate after surgery, but also plays a role in keeping malignancy at bay. Dr. Amish V Dalal, an accomplished Surgical Oncologist, after evaluation, may recommend exercises to his patients post surgery. The American Cancer Society recommends exercises of moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes and that of a vigorous nature for 75 minutes a week. Research conducted by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society indicates that regular physical exercises can reduce the risk of up to 13 specific types of cancer. Earlier, it was believed that exercise could only help reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon and endometrium. The American Cancer Society acknowledges the linkage of physical activity with that of reduced risk of cancers of the lungs, bladder, rectum, neck, head, stomach, liver, oesophagus, kidney, bone marrow, and blood. While Dr. Amish Dalal recommends the necessary course of treatment, a regular exercise routine generally helps improve post surgical recovery in patients. A few recent studies also suggest that physical exercises may also result in shrinkage of tumours. Researchers believe that the adrenaline rush consequent to high-intensity exercises, reduces the growth of cancerous tumours. According to them, adrenaline plays an active role in

2. circulating immune cells that are natural killers (NK) into the bloodstream. These cells infiltrate tumours that may be existent in certain specific body parts like the skin, liver and lungs. These immune cells are believed to eliminate cancerous cells. Apart from daily physical activities, a check-up with Doctor Amish Dalal can help outline the necessary line of treatment. Physical activity post diagnosis of breast cancer may improve treatment outcomes by lowering the level of oestrogen in the body. Exercise may improve bowel movement, leading to reducing chances of contact with agents that cause cancer. Exercising is also believed to reduce the production of insulin that expedites the growth of cancerous tumours. After undergoing surgery, as indicated by Amish Dalal, who is an experienced gynaecologist specialising in surgical oncology, patients may resume their daily physical activity. The exercise routine that a cancer patient may follow depends on certain factors like age, ‘stage’ of cancer, and other health issues, amongst others. Here are a few recommended indoor and outdoor physical activities that cancer patients can opt for, depending on their age and area of interest: Brisk or leisurely walking and jogging Cycling at a comfortable speed Playing a sport like tennis, badminton or football Yoga Patients can book an appointment with Amish Dalal at Jaslok Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Bhatia General Hospital, Saifee Hospital or Parsee General Hospital.